26th September 2020
Last month, David Smith, a Life Member of the Trust, ran the full length of the canal and back to raise money for our 2027 Restoration Appeal. Just to make it more interesting, he did it dressed as Scooby Doo!
Altogether he has raised over £2,000.
David’s Crowdfunder page has now closed, but you can still donate to our 2027 Restoration Appeal by clicking here.
David is a pharmacist. Having done a morning’s work, on 29th August he left Chesterfield at 2.40 p.m. He ran all 46 miles to West Stockwith on the River Trent, arriving just after 1 a.m. He then turned round and ran straight back to Chesterfield.
In total he covered 94.7 miles in 23 hours and 6 minutes. A marathon is 26 miles, so that just over 3½ marathons in less than a day. He burnt 8,657 calories and took 185,367 steps.
You can buy his eBook of the whole story by clicking here.
To see David’s video updates during his run click here.
Setting out at Holbeck Close, note the finger sign. Photo by David Smith
A few minutes into the run on Saturday – note Chesterfield’s famous Crooked Spire at the top right.
The first bridge on the canal.
Passing Wheeldon Mill Lock.
Still a long way to go.
Collecting at Hollingwood Hub.
With some of the staff at Katey’s Coffee Shop.
You may recognise West Stockwith Lock, but perhaps not at 1 a.m. Photo by David Smith
David’s poles to prove it. Photo by David Smith
Upon arriving back in Staveley on Sunday morning, David came across our volunteer Work Party at Constitution Hill Bridge. Photo by David Smith
Having already run over 90 miles, David clearly surprised this canoeist.
Collecting at Hollingwood Hub on the way back.
Setting out again for the last few miles past our tripboat Madeline.
David’s wife Ann met him at Bluebank and they walked the last couple of miles whilst receiving contributions in the collecting bucket.
Some local youngsters showed their admiration.
At Wheeldon Mill. At this stage David said he was “a bit tired!”
David had posted these signs along lots of the route. Photo by David Smith
Passing Tapton Lock Visitor Centre.
The last few hundred yards were led by David’s grandson, Jensen.
Making the final video for his Facebook fundraising page – click here to see it.
Journey’s end back at Holbeck Close. Note the Crooked Spire in the background and the finger sign top right.